Why Mercy, a Savior, and a Renewing Spirit Matter More Than Ever
Introduction
“ These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead.” (Jude 1:12)
Have you ever heard the phrase “twice dead”? It’s not something you come across every day, but it’s a powerful way to describe a deep problem we all face as humans. Today, I want to explore what it means to be “twice dead”—not just in a legal or civil sense, but in a moral and spiritual way—and why this realization leads us to the urgent need for something more: a second revelation from God.
Understanding Our Condition: What Does It Mean to Be ‘Twice Dead’?
Let’s break this down into simple terms. The first kind of death is civil—imagine someone who, because of breaking the law, loses their rights or standing in society. There’s a separation from what makes life meaningful in the community. But there’s another, even deeper kind of death: a moral one. This is the loss of our inner compass, the sense of right and wrong, the connection to goodness itself. When we’re “twice dead,” we’re cut off both outwardly and inwardly, left in a place where hope feels out of reach.
The Hopelessness Without Revelation
So, where do we turn when we find ourselves in this state? Many people try to fix things through laws, philosophy, or their own efforts. But none of these can truly restore what’s lost inside. Laws can guide our actions but can’t heal our hearts. Philosophy might offer clever ideas, but it often sidesteps our deepest moral needs. Without something greater—without a revelation from beyond ourselves—hope remains just out of grasp.
The Need for a Second Revelation
This is where the idea of a second revelation comes in. The first revelation gave us a sense of what’s right and wrong, but when we find ourselves “twice dead,” that’s not enough. We need God to step in again, not with more rules, but with mercy, an atoning Savior, and a Spirit that can renew us from the inside out. It’s like needing a doctor not just to tell you what’s wrong, but to actually heal you and give you a new start.
Unbelief and Philosophy: The Limits of Ignoring Our Inner Needs
Some people say we don’t need anything beyond what we can figure out for ourselves. But this kind of unbelief, or relying only on philosophy, misses the point. It overlooks the fact that deep down, we all have wounds that can’t be healed by intellect alone. Ignoring our inner moral needs is like ignoring a broken bone and hoping it will get better just by thinking positive thoughts. Real healing requires real help.
Conclusion
Recognizing our condition—being “twice dead”—isn’t about despair, but honesty. It’s about seeing our true need for mercy, for a Savior who can atone for our faults, and for a Spirit that can make us new. The second revelation is more than a message; it’s an invitation to hope, to renewal, and to a life that’s truly restored. If we’re willing to seek it, there’s more than enough grace to meet us where we are.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 